Event Details

Commissioned by the ministry of Defence, HCSS conducts the study Power distribution and Partnerships. The central question of this study is what types of networks and partnerships should the NLD defence organization create, foster, join or strengthen in order to be able to operate efficiently and effectively in the fragmented security environment of today and tomorrow?

An important type of partnership the study considers, is that between Defence and corporations, both individually and collectively (other than the traditional commercial buyer-supplier relationship). In particular internationally oriented corporations have a stake in peace and stability. In the case of a potential or actual conflict, corporations often have information, or ‘intelligence’, that can be used by security actors. In a broader sense, they constitute both ‘weapons’ and ‘victims’ in economic warfare. All reasons to consider whether and how structural relationships between businesses and MoD can create mutual benefits. This is the central theme of the meeting.

Context

We live in the age of globalisation. Economic and financial interdependencies between countries have increased substantially. The ICT-revolution has deeply and instantaneously connected various parts of the world. There are however, countervailing powers to this macro trend of more connectedness. In international relations we see:

A power shift towards a multipolar world with many regional powers;

An increasing number and variety of non-state actors influencing the discourse and activities in the international arena with the effect that the distinction between state and non-state actors is blurring;

A broader and more diffuse global security landscape, with new domains of competition and rivalry (cyber space, the global commons) and geopolitics mingling with geo-economic developments;

A blending of ‘regular’ and ‘irregular’ power instruments applied in concert (in what is known as ‘hybrid warfare’).

In the face of these developments, defence organisations must forge new alliances, partnerships and networks, involving new and other types of agents, power brokers and facilitators than the usual suspects. Furthermore, many of these connections are quite the opposite from the traditional, carefully planned and managed relationships, with formal agreements between the stakeholders. Many of the new networks emerge bottom-up, are still hard to define and delineate, and by their nature dynamic, adapting and flexible. They are rather process oriented than structure focussed, have more to do with networking than solid and stable networks. Signed agreements or formal obligations are not always required or even alien to these kind of processes. Some alignment of interests and a basic level of mutual understanding suffice, or some common standards that parties share (cf. the iOS and Android app ecosystems). These emerging networks function “as open platforms, where all can piggyback on the ideas, creativity, and capabilities of all others.”[1] More and more, global stability and world order emerges from the ecosystem made up by of all these interactions, alliances, partnerships and networked collaborations. It is in and through this ecosystem we should look for ways to address both the violent manifestations as well as the root causes of today’s threats.

Provisional Programme

Date: 12 November 2015

Location: HCSS premises, Lange Voorhout 16 Den Haag.

Target audience: AFCEA members, limited to a maximum of 30.

15:30-16:00Reception

16:00-16:15Welcome and short introduction of HCSS

16:15-16:45Introduction to the study Power distribution and Partnerships

16:45-17:00Break and re-arrangement into break-out sessions

17:00-18:00Interactive break-out sessions

In these sessions, the participants are challenged to share their thoughts on possible models, opportunities & risks, costs & benefits, do’s and don’ts, etc. regarding structural cooperation forms between the corporate world and the military.

18:00-18:30Plenary reporting from the sessions and wrap-up

18:30-19:30Light buffet meal and drinks

Participants are selected on their willingness to actively participate in the break-out discussions.

[1] From the opening speech of CDS general Tom Middendorp at the Future Force Conference 2015.

HCCS
Lange Voorhout 16
Den Haag
Netherlands

Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM (CET)

Organizer

AFCEA The Hague Chapter

AFCEA is a non-profit international association founded in 1946. Today, AFCEA serves as a bridge between government requirements and industry capabilities, representing the top government, industry and military professionals in the fields of communications, electronics, intelligence, command and control and information management systems. The purpose of the Association is to provide its members a common forum for exchanging information to advance the economic security and peaceful stability of democratic nations, and to support the military preparedness necessary to maintain that security through the fields of communications, intelligence, and information systems. AFCEA provides an ethical environment that encourages a close co-operative relationship among civil government agencies, the military and industry. Through its Journal, SIGNAL, AFCEA covers Communications, Intelligence & Information Systems disciplines extending beyond purely military aspects and addressing security in its broadest sense.